The Third Edition of the Ultra Trail de Pyrenees.
Press Release / 19.12.2009
Once again there are 2 proposed courses, with an Ultra of 160 km and 10000 m D + and the Grand Trail of 80 km and 5000 m D +.
The route, starting from the village of Vielle-Aure, will lead the runners up to the cities of Villelongue, Cauterets as well as Luz-Saint-Sauveur and Barèges, by way of famous summits such as the Pic du Midi or the Pic of Cabaliros, some passes of high mountains like Bastanet, Bareilles and Riou and finally on the tracks of the ski resorts of Saint-Lary-Soulan, La Mongie, Hautacam and Luz Ardiden.
The courses primarily follows the GR10 and the main hiking trails of the Hautes-Pyrénées so that the runners can take full advantage of most of the varieties of landscapes and discover some of the most beautiful sites of the region.
For all, the race village will be a party, with cultural, folk and musical activities. Finally, to end the race in its spirit of conviviality, runners, volunteers and families will meet around the closing buffet for a moment of exchange.
The Grand Raid des Pyrenees is a race requiring, as part of its difficulty, technique, respect of protected wild environment, a good physical preparation and capacity to race in semi-autonomy.
Key points: the warm welcome of the volunteers in the race village and on all of the course, always with the well-being of the runners in the forefront. The friendly and simple atmosphere such as wished by the organizers and naturally, the beauty and the variety of the landscapes of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Novelty 2010: the same course as in 2009, but hopefully with the sun this year, so that the runners can take full advantage of the scenery. A single but major addition to the course:
the ascent of the summit of the Pic du Midi (2877 m high), with its observatory perched for more than 100 years on this rocky peak. An extraordinary view of the Pyreneen mountain range and of all the surroundings!!!
Departure of ultra on August 27th, 2010 at 5 am: 50 hours max
Departure of the big on August 28th, 2010 at 5 am: 25 hours max
Registration opens on January 10th, 2010 and the number of inscriptions are limited to 750 on the Ultra and the Grand.
For more information in French and English:
www.grandraidpyrenees.com
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